Visiting the Tower of London feels like stepping straight into the pages of a history book. Standing tall beside the River Thames, this fortress has been many things over the centuries. A royal palace, prison, treasury, armory, and even a menagerie for exotic animals. Historically, menageries were typically aristocratic or royal collections. Today, it remains one of the most iconic historic sites in England—and a must-see when exploring London.
A Fortress of History
Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the Tower has been at the heart of English history for nearly 1,000 years. Monarchs added to it, prisoners feared it, and legends continue to haunt it. Some of the most famous stories tied to the Tower include the imprisonment of Anne Boleyn, the Princes in the Tower, and tales of ghosts that still wander its halls. There are many stories to be told but do you dare enter the premises.
The Crown Jewels 👑
Perhaps the biggest highlight is the dazzling Crown Jewels. Safely guarded inside the Jewel House, these treasures are still used in royal ceremonies today. The sight of the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s Sceptre up close is unforgettable.
Beefeaters & Ravens
No visit is complete without meeting the Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters. They’ve guarded the Tower for centuries and share fascinating (and often chilling) stories on their tours. And don’t forget the ravens—legend has it that if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall! We’ve seen so many documentaries about the Tower of London but it is something else to see it up close and personal.
Tips for Visiting the Tower of London
Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds, especially at the Crown Jewels.
Join a Beefeater tour—it’s both informative and entertaining.
Set aside at least 3 hours to explore everything, from the White Tower to the medieval walls.
Buy tickets in advance online to save time (and sometimes money).
Why We Loved It
For us, walking through the Tower was like walking through time. The mix of grandeur and grit, the sparkle of royal treasures alongside the shadows of prison stories—it’s the kind of place that makes history feel alive.
Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of royal stories, or just curious about one of London’s most famous landmarks, the Tower of London is well worth a visit.
✨ Have you ever been inside the Tower of London, or is it on your travel wishlist?
No trip to London feels complete without standing beneath the towering Gothic arches of Tower Bridge. Often mistaken for “London Bridge,” this iconic structure has become one of the city’s most photographed spots. In this post, we’ll share a bit of history, the best ways to experience it, and our own impressions from our visit.
A Bit of History
Built in 1894, Tower Bridge was designed to ease traffic across the Thames while still allowing tall ships to pass.
Its Victorian Gothic style makes it instantly recognizable.
It is one of London’s most iconic landmarks.
Over 40,000 motorists, pedestrians and cyclists using it every day.
500,000 tourists visit it each year.
Best Ways to Experience Tower Bridge
Walk across: Free and gives great views of the Thames, Tower of London, and City of London skyline.
When visiting London, our preferred way of getting to Tower Bridge is via the South Bank. Crossing over via the Millenium Bridge, make your way along the South Bank to Tower Bridge. You can’t miss it in the distance. There is plenty of sightseeing to do along the way, with no shortage of photo stops. Tate Modern, Borough Market, the Golden Hinde and HMS Belfast, just to name a few. Of course, we can’t forget the required pub stop for lunch, of which there are many choices. It’s the “carrot on the stick” to keep my husband moving.
Tower Bridge Exhibition: Inside, after a climb to the top, you can explore the glass-floored walkways and learn how the bridge was built. It was rather an eery feeling looking down at the cars below our feet. The ticket centre and entrance are located midspan along the bridge. You can climb the stairs to the top of the bridge or there is an elevator for those who need a lift. It is quite a climb to the top.
From the water: A Thames river cruise or boat ride gives you a dramatic view from below.
At night: When the bridge is lit up, it feels magical.
Photography Tips
Early morning or golden hour for fewer crowds and softer light.
Capture it with the Tower of London in the background for a classic London shot.
Don’t miss the reflections on the Thames if the water is still.
Our Impressions
The Tower Bridge is an iconic London sight. A beauty and a definite reminder that you are in London now! Something familiar, even if you haven’t been here before.
Truthfully, we are not big city people. We spent most of our lives living in Vancouver and couldn’t wait to move away. To find a quieter existence away from it all. BUT London is different. It’s hard to explain. We forget about the chaos of people and traffic, and are able to lose ourselves in the history around us. There is so much to see. London feels familiar to us. It brings the history to life.
Conclusion:
Tower Bridge isn’t just a way to cross the Thames – it’s a symbol of London’s history and resilience. Whether you stroll across, admire it from the banks of the river, or explore inside, it’s an experience that belongs on every London itinerary.
If you’re landing at Gatwick Airport and heading straight into central London, one of the quickest and most comfortable options is the Gatwick Express. Here’s how to make the journey smooth from start to finish.
Step 1 – Board the Gatwick Express 🚄
Travel time: Around 30 minutes from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria.
Why choose it? It’s direct, non-stop, and designed for airport passengers with plenty of luggage space.
Tickets: You can buy at the station, but booking online often saves you 10% or more (visit gatwickexpress.com).
Step 2 – Take the Underground to King’s Cross🚇
At London Victoria, follow the signs to the Victoria Line (Underground).
Trains run frequently and take about 15 minutes to King’s Cross St Pancras.
It’s a straightforward, single-line journey – no changes needed.
Step 3 – Arrive at King’s Cross ✨
You’ll step out into one of London’s busiest and most beautiful stations.
From here, you can connect to the rest of the UK by train, hop on Eurostar at St Pancras, or start exploring central London right away.
Travel Tips
Book ahead: Online tickets for the Gatwick Express can be cheaper than buying on the day.
Contactless or Oyster: For the Underground portion, use your contactless card or Oyster card to avoid queueing.
Allow extra time: If you’re catching another train at King’s Cross, build in a buffer for delays.
Skipton is only a hop, Skip, and a jump away from Leeds via the Northern Rail line. It takes approximately 42 minutes to travel the distance between the two. Making it the perfect, scenic destination for a day trip.
Leeds train station can be busy. A little chaotic with people rushing about to find their platform. Give yourself enough time, and it’s no problem. That’s my anxiety speaking. Check your platform departure number on arrival and hop on board for a day of adventure. An excellent outing and chance to explore somewhere new.
We love train travel in England. An easy way to get from place to place. A novelty we do not have at home. Perfect for exploring and adventuring. I think if we had this at home, you might never see me. You would find me riding the rails in search of new places, and new adventures.
Skipton Train Station
That being said, there has been an ongoing issue with rail strikes. Two years in and they do not seem to be going away. This requires a little more planning and flexibility on your part. Two weeks notice is required in advance of strike action. Our best advice, keep an eye on the strike dates and plan around them where possible.
A BritRail pass is the best bet for international travellers. They must be purchased from your home country. Simply buy the pass online, load it onto your phone, and off you go. Paper tickets are available. These require a little more time to arrive.
Enough said, time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the amazing scenery. No need to rush. North Yorkshire does not disappoint!
Rolling green hills, quaint villages, lovely little train stations, and historic sites pass by your window. With each new station, you are given a peek at other places you may wish to explore. There is no shortage. I think our list of things to do gets longer every time.
We were there in May, and it was lambing season. It is hard not to smile at their cuteness as they play happily in the field. That is, until the big, scary train comes. Then it is off to mom they run. Now PLEASE do not tell me where most of them are destined to end up. I prefer to live in denial and picture them living out their lives in those beautiful green fields, providing the odd woolen sweater.
The train trip from Leeds gives you splendid views of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal with its many canal boats. The towpath running alongside the canal provides for great walking and biking trails. You can walk the entire towpath from Leeds to Liverpool in about two weeks. There is a lot of history to the canals. A post for another time. I could see us doing a trip via a canal boat or a walking holiday.
A market town and civil parish in North Yorkshire, Skipton is known as the Southern Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. Its proximity to the Yorkshire Dales National Park makes it a great starting or stopping point for exploration of the Dales. It began life when the owners of Skipton Castle acquired a market charter in 1204. It then thrived as a trading centre for sheep and wool. Today, there is a population of approximately 15,000 people. It has been listed as one of the best and happiest places to live in the UK. I believe I could be quite happy living here.
Rich in history and outstanding natural beauty, it is hard to resist this market town. The 900-year-old Skipton Castle stands high and proud as its centrepiece, and the historic cobbled High Street makes for perfect browsing of its shops, bakeries, and eating establishments. With the husband in tow, there is always a pub high on the list of things to do. Of which, there are many.
Skipton Castle high above Castle Woods
Suggestions for the Perfect Day in Skipton:
Skipton Castle – one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval castles in England. At over 900 years of age, it is well worth a visit rain or shine. Enjoy a walk through the castle and its grounds. Below it, you can see the beautiful walking path for Skipton Castle Woods.
Woodland Trust’s Skipton Castle Woods – we discovered this beautiful walk on our most recent visit. It is hard to believe you can escape from the business of High Street to the tranquility of this rare ancient woodland within seconds. Perfect for those who want to unwind in the peace and tranquility of nature. It has a fascinating history dating back a thousand years.
Peruse the shops and eateries on High Street. I love quaint little gift shops and exploring little alleyways to see what I can find. Skipton Market operates Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the year. Always worth checking out, never know what you might find.
Enjoy a pint at one of the many pubs. One of our faves is the Castle Inn. A traditional pub with great cask ales, and an excellent food selection. Seating can be found inside or outside. This is by no means the only pub, there are many lovely ones to choose from. We just need to try a few more of them. If you are in Skipton on a Sunday, do not forget to book in somewhere for a traditional Sunday Roast. A Sunday must for us.
Walk the canals around the city. Stop at one of the little pubs on the canal and do some people watching. We checked out the Boathouse Bar which was a great little spot for watching the canal boats. They were coming and going right in front of the bar. There is seating inside and outside. It was kind of nice to sit outside on a sunny day.
Take a canal boat tour. They range from 30 minutes to two hours. Depending on how much time you have, you should be able to find one to fit your schedule. It is a wonderful way to explore the area from the water.
These are just a few ideas for a day out in Skipton and by no means a full list. A list of some of our personal favourites. There is much more to explore depending on your wants. We left wishing we were spending a couple of nights there. This would have allowed us more time to fully enjoy all that Skipton has to offer.
Day trips are a great way to get away from it all. The perfect opportunity to explore somewhere new. We quite often find it nice to find a central location, base ourselves there, and do day trips. While it may seem the time passes all too quickly, you can always come back. You’ve had a taste of what it has to offer. I know we would be very happy to return to Skipton!
